A Conyers K9 officer has died after being left in a hot patrol car. Its handler has been placed on paid leave pending an internal investigation, Conyers police announced on Friday.

The dog, named Zane, was found dead in the patrol car around 5 p.m. on Thursday at the Rockdale County home of handler Jerahmy Williams, police said.

The five-year-old bloodhound has worked as a tracking dog for Conyers Police for four years — three of those with Williams, Conyers police said in an emailed statement.

Williams, a patrol corporal, has been with the police department nearly five years. He is on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

“We are committed to the care and proper treatment of our working K9s. We are mourning the loss of our own,” said Conyers Police Chief Gene Wilson.

The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a separate investigation with the help of the Rockdale County District Attorney’s Office, authorities said.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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